Brent Sutter could be named Flames coach soon

Brent Sutter could be named head coach of the Calgary Flames within days.

Sources and various news reports have stated Sutter is close to signing an agreement that would see him replace the fired Mike Keenan as Flames' coach.

Flames' general manager Darryl Sutter has been silent almost a month since discussing his decision to dump Keenan while acknowledging there were three candidates he was interested in, all of whom were under contract elsewhere in the NHL.

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At that time, Brent Sutter was a member of the New Jersey Devils' organization. He resigned June 9 to return home to Red Deer, where sources say he has been granted permission to talk to the Flames.

Brent Sutter has a year remaining on his contract with New Jersey but has been negotiating a contract with the Flames. An announcement could come as early as Monday.

Brent Sutter coached the Devils for two years but was unable to guide the team beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Flames have not advanced beyond the opening round since reaching the 2004 Stanley Cup final.

Along with Darryl Sutter, the Flames list Duane Sutter as GM of the AHL affiliate and Ron Sutter as a scout.

Allan Maki is a national news reporter and sports writer based in Calgary. He joined the Globe and Mail in 1997 with an extensive sports background having covered Stanley Cup finals, the Grey Cup, Summer and Winter Olympics, the 1980 Miracle on Ice, the 1989 Super Bowl riot and the 1989 earthquake World Series. More

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